We all need a quiet place to ponder and to process through thoughts, ideas, and struggles. The actual place is irrelevant. The need for the space is critical to your health and well-being.
During the pandemic a majority of Americans hunkered down in their homes, forced to stay there. I remember working from my small little “office space” I carved out of the spare bedroom. One of the benefits of working from home was the shortened commute and the nearness to my family. And because all the entertainment venues were closed, we spent a lot more time together. Those were good and dear times to me, but they weren’t quiet.
Every person needs alone time. Jesus had a custom of going off to pray, by Himself. If Jesus needed it, we all need it.
I’ve grown accustomed to rising early to get this quiet time. The darkness outside, the darkness throughout the house, the silence of the technology and the TV provide a seemingly small place for me to sit, read, pray, and reflect. I find peace there in my solitude. It helps me and it prepares me for the day filled with demands.
Let me encourage you to find your quiet place. At first, you might not like what you find there as you have time to examine yourself and your life. Over time, however, you will realize how important it is to take time for yourself each day. You will work through your issues and find peace as you grow.
I believe that if you incorporate prayer and Bible reading into your mornings, you will be better equipped to handle all the challenges that come your way. Start by reading the Psalms and Proverbs. They are in the middle of the Christian Bible. There are 150 Psalms so if you read 5 per day, you can read through it in a month. Try it, you’ll be blessed by it.
(In the photo, students are spending time alone while on a retreat. This is a great practice for people of all ages.)
Photo by Etienne Delorieux on Unsplash